Ruth Ann Ueberroth

Ruth Ann Harris, age 80, was born a very small girl (and tougher than most) on the 4th of July to Leah Grace (Michaels) and Lester J Harris. Ruthie’s mother gave birth to her on her own birthday, and what a gift she was! Vestaburg, Michigan was her stomping grounds where she learned to be assertive, completed her coursework, made life-lasting friendships, became a cheerleader and played percussion in the high school band. She excelled in the 4-H sewing program and designed and crafted clothing for their fashion show. Later, she planned many reunions for Vestaburg High School alumni.

She moved to Lansing and lived with her grandfather, Herman Henry Michaels, and attended Lansing Community College where she earned her Associate’s Degree. She worked hard and even aced one semester taking 20 credits. Some of her coursework allowed her to continue and enhance her love of music. She worked diligently at Diamond REO Trucking Company and made quite an impression there with her charming personality, speedy and accurate typing, and exceptional reception/secretarial performance. She cultivated many life-long friendships and took pride in planning their reunions as well.

She started her family with Raymond Tilghman Ueberroth and had two daughters–Michelle Rae (Brad) Wieferich and Jennifer Ann Ueberroth. Michelle and Jenny (and Danny Dog) were a source of love for her. Her cherished grandchildren Nicklaus Clark (Lauren), Jacob Harris, and Luke Tilghman Wieferich and the younger two Ryan Michael II and Casey Janet Heintz will always know they were endlessly loved and adored by her. Her many (a gazillion) nieces and nephews, and their families loved Aunt Ruth and she them. Whether a phone call, a visit, or connecting online she always took a genuine interest in their lives.

Ruth encouraged excessive and fun-filled living including: bowling, painting, the Vittles and Vitality nutrition program, the Brownies, attending sporting and other school events, working concessions, quilting, crocheting, knitting, singing in the church choir (and later directing), participating in the local US bicentennial celebration, helping to organize a local Michigan sesquicentennial celebration, supporting teacher strikes, co-directing the DeWitt Follies talent show, going out to listen to live music, dancing, and vacationing often in Tennessee.

As her daughters grew up Ruth returned to the workforce as a tour guide at Oldsmobile, a church secretary, and completed her career as a secretary at DeWitt Public Schools. At one point she created a school count day program that was submitted to Clinton County and to the State of Michigan. She loved her bosses and co-workers and enjoyed watching the kids grow up into interesting and contributing adults.

Ruth knew just about everyone in her community, was the first one to strike up a conversation and organized social events with her beloved friends in a way that was present and demonstrated that they matter to her. These events included: Euchre/Steak Dinner parties, countless family reunions, school parties, church parties, NYE parties, hanging out with the Saturday Nite Parkers (and other couples). Her very best friend was her sister, Janet Kay Harris Peasley (and Phil). She loved how much Jan truly loved her and Ruthie loved her back. There will never be another woman like Ruth and she will be remembered and intensely missed by a countless many. Thank you, Ruth Ann, for the love you have given us.

Visitation will be at Gorsline-Runciman, DeWitt, Michigan on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 10am – noon with the funeral immediately following at 12 noon.